NEW plans for the long touted $12 million upgrade of a Port Adelaide shopping centre have been approved by the state’s main planning authority.

Ashleigh Pisani

Portside Weekly MessengerSeptember 13, 20172:14pm

An artist’s impression of the Port Canal Shopping Centre upgrade.Source:Supplied

NEW plans for the long touted $12 million upgrade of the Port Canal Shopping Centre have been approved by the state’s main planning authority.

The redevelopment includes demolishing the existing complex and the construction of a new glass two-storey complex.

Work on the project is expected to begin in May next year.

Most of the building will be single-storey and contain retail stores including a Coles and a food court.

It will also have two two-storey components on either side of the complex with a 24 hour gym, childcare centre and a medical centre inside.

The existing Coles and Kmart buildings will be retained.

The shopping centre’s owner, the Precision Group, which also owns Adelaide Central Plaza in Rundle Mall, were given approval last October to redevelop the mall but have since changed the plans to now have the new building connect internally with the Coles and Kmart building.

Currently, the two buildings are separate and divided by an outdoor area.

Port Adelaide Enfield Council have said more work is needed to ensure appropriate stormwater and traffic management plans are put in place.

The new centre will see a reduction in the number of parking spaces — dropping from 981 to 912.

Traders inside the centre, which is currently half-empty, have welcomed the upgrade saying it would attract new shoppers.

“It’s what we need,” Fastbreak cafe owner Yvonne Hristakopoulos said.

“There’s been so much talk but this (the approved plan) is something positive.”

Owner of Man Lin Gourmet Tran An Man was unaware of the proposal but said he thought it would benefit his business in the long-term.

Port Adelaide Enfield acting chief executive Sarah Philpott said the council was excited to see long-term investment into Port Adelaide through major infrastructure projects such as this.

“The revival of Port Adelaide will have positive economic benefits long into the future, not just for the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, but for the entire state of South Australia.,” Ms Philpott said.

The Precision Group was contacted for comment but did not respond before Portside Weekly’s deadline.